CASS COUNTY RACES

Jeff Peterson

Age: 46.

Address: 2858 32nd Ave. N.W., Hackensack.

Position sought: Cass County Commissioner District 3 seat.

Occupation: Carpenter, owner of Jeff Peterson Construction.

Education: Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High School graduate.

Family: Married, two children.

Why are you running for office?

"I have a lot of concerns about growth in the county, especially with marginal land being developed. The majority of constituents' views aren't being heard, not just special interest groups. More alternate uses for Ah-Gwah-Ching need to be considered to ensure future jobs. Possibilities include a county government center, county-run nursing home, county jail, DNR or Bemidji State University satellite campus."

What do you think is the most important issue facing Cass County commissioners today?

"Deciding what to do with the Ah-Gwah-Ching campus and protecting Cass County lakes. Keeping county land public."

How do you plan to work on this issue? "I would hold regular community input meetings to try to encourage more people to voice their opinions about Ah-Gwah-Ching, on how to balance development and natural environment protection or other issues. I would vote according to the wishes of the majority. I would listen to township and citizen viewpoints on specific developments. I want to encourage more people to get involved in county government issues."

Rusty Lilyquist

Age: 35.

Address: 2600 46th St. N.E., Longville.

Position sought: Cass County Commissioner District 3 seat.

Occupation: Real estate broker, owner of Rusty's Up North Realty.

Education: Northland High School, four years college at Vermilion and Bemidji State University, Prosource real estate school/broker license.

Family: Married, three children.

Web site: www.rustylilyquist.com

Why are you running for office?

"Prior to my first term, I was asked by the constituency of District 3 to run for the commissioner's office. Rusty Lilyquist did not want to be the kind of person who sat in a coffee shop and complained about government. I wanted to get involved and make a difference. With all the support throughout District 3, I was able to win the last two general elections."

What do you think is the most important issue facing Cass County commissioners today?

"There are so many issues facing Cass County today it is hard to pick just one. Keeping taxes low for retired people with fixed incomes and young people trying to make a living is one of the biggest things we face. County road improvements, more police protection and expanded ambulance services also rank at the top of the list."

How do you plan to work on this issue?

"All issues facing Cass County can be solved with money. We need to increase our tax base to keep services affordable. Cass County Board supported my motion to invest in economic development. Cass County Economic Development Corp. has brought in $2.8 million in future tax base and 60 new good paying light manufacturing and health care jobs. These types of companies won't affect Cass County's clean air, water and woods. I endorsed hiring a county planner to manage growth around our irreplaceable lakes in Cass County."